Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Goud en edelmetalen populair ondanks recente koersdaling

    Goud en edelmetalen populair ondanks recente koersdaling

    Investors worldwide are demonstrating unprecedented confidence in gold-related assets, channeling massive capital into precious metal funds during January 2025. According to comprehensive data from LSEG Lipper, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) specializing in gold and other precious metals attracted $4.39 billion in new investments, marking the eighth consecutive month of net inflows.

    The remarkable trend extends to gold mining companies, with mining-focused ETFs receiving $3.62 billion—the highest monthly allocation since records began in 2009. The cumulative effect has resulted in a staggering $91.86 billion flowing into these funds throughout 2025, representing an eightfold increase compared to the entire previous year.

    This surge occurs against a backdrop of significant market volatility. Despite the substantial capital inflows, gold prices experienced a sharp 10% correction over two trading days following recent record highs. The price decline coincided with increased margin requirements implemented by CME Group after Kevin Warsh’s nomination as the new Federal Reserve Chair triggered substantial selling across metal markets.

    Leading the inflow activity, SPDR Gold Shares ETF secured $2.58 billion in new investments, while SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust attracted $1.79 billion and iShares Gold Trust received $696 million. Among mining ETFs, VanEck Gold Miners ETF led with $539 million, followed by iShares S&P/TSX Global Gold Index ETF with $312 million and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF with $114 million.

    Market analysts at J.P. Morgan maintain a bullish long-term outlook despite recent fluctuations, noting that gold continues to demonstrate stronger appreciation as a real-value asset compared to financial instruments. This perspective is echoed by UBS Global Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Officer Mark Haefele, who anticipates continued growth in demand from both central banks and institutional investors throughout 2025.

    While acknowledging potential downside risks due to current premium levels, Haefele recommends moderate gold allocations within diversified portfolios and suggests that escalating political or financial uncertainties could drive prices toward $5,400 per ounce.

  • Petroleum product prices reduced

    Petroleum product prices reduced

    Consumers nationwide received welcome financial relief as substantial price reductions for major fuel categories took effect at midnight on February 1st. The comprehensive price adjustment brings considerable savings across gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products.

    Gasoline prices have been reduced by 11 cents, bringing the new retail price to $3.77 per litre. Diesel consumers will benefit from an even more significant decrease of 16 cents, establishing a new price point of $3.25 per litre. Kerosene prices have been moderated by five cents, now retailing at $1.43 per litre.

    The pricing structure for liquefied petroleum gas has been similarly adjusted across various container sizes. A standard 100 lb cylinder will now cost $161.47, while smaller containers have been proportionately reduced: 25 lb cylinders are priced at $45.47, 22 lb cylinders at $40.18, and 20 lb cylinders at $36.52.

    This coordinated price reduction represents one of the most substantial fuel cost decreases in recent months, potentially easing transportation expenses for both individual consumers and commercial enterprises. The next scheduled review and potential adjustment of fuel pricing is set to occur on March 1st, according to official communications from relevant authorities.

  • Clarien Bank to acquire NCB’s Cayman unit in internal reorganisation

    Clarien Bank to acquire NCB’s Cayman unit in internal reorganisation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant strategic consolidation of its offshore financial services, NCB Financial Group Limited (NCBFG) has announced the acquisition of NCB (Cayman) Limited by Clarien Bank Limited, its majority-owned subsidiary. This internal reorganization, pending regulatory approvals, will integrate the group’s Cayman Islands-based wealth management and banking operations under a unified platform.

    The transaction involves the structured transfer of select wealth and investment management client relationships from NCB’s Cayman operations to Clarien Bank, in which NCBFG currently maintains a 50.10 percent controlling interest. According to Group Chief Executive Officer Robert Almeida, this realignment represents a deliberate strategy to enhance operational coherence and strengthen focus across the financial group’s regional businesses.

    Following completion of the transaction, NCB (Cayman) Limited will undergo rebranding under the Clarien name. NCBFG emphasized that the reorganization is not anticipated to materially affect capital adequacy, liquidity, or ownership structure.

    Clarien CEO Ian Truran characterized the acquisition as supporting the bank’s strategic expansion into selective offshore markets, calling it “an exciting new chapter” for the institution. The bank has committed to ensuring a seamless transition for both clients and staff from NCB (Cayman) Limited and NCB Capital Markets (Cayman) Ltd.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of NCBFG’s evolving ownership strategy regarding Clarien. Earlier efforts to reduce exposure through a partial divestment expired in May 2025 without extension. Conversely, a separate disclosure from June 2025 indicated NCBFG’s potential acquisition of an additional 17.92 percent stake in Clarien, which would elevate its ownership to 68.02 percent if finalized. The group has stated that neither transaction is expected to significantly impact financial performance.

    Throughout the transition, clients will continue to be served by their existing relationship teams with no anticipated disruption to daily operations.

  • Tourism minister says Jamaica on track to achieve good winter season

    Tourism minister says Jamaica on track to achieve good winter season

    Jamaica’s tourism industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience as it rebounds from Hurricane Melissa’s impact, with officials projecting a strong winter season performance. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett unveiled the nation’s recovery strategy during a keynote address to nearly 100 travel advisors and industry stakeholders at Apple Leisure Group Vacations’ welcome dinner at RIU Montego Bay Resort on January 31.

    The minister revealed that Jamaica’s approach mirrors its successful COVID-19 pandemic response, emphasizing consistent messaging and strategic coordination. Bartlett recalled how the creation of ‘resilient corridors’ during the pandemic enabled controlled reopening from Negril to Port Antonio, providing the template for current recovery efforts.

    Following Hurricane Melissa, authorities implemented a targeted assessment and recovery plan involving property visits and a unified communication strategy centered on the message: ‘Jamaica is open for business.’ This coordinated approach has yielded significant results, with the majority of hotels and attractions now operational and over 500,000 visitors recorded in January alone.

    Bartlett confirmed that only eight hotels remain temporarily closed while repairs continue, including at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort. The minister expressed confidence in achieving winter season targets running from December 15, 2025, through April 2026, noting that 71% of tourism assets were restored by December 15.

    Jacki Marks, Global Head of Trade Brands at ALG Vacations, emphasized the importance of firsthand experience for travel advisors, describing the four-day visit as a confidence-building initiative. She acknowledged the emotional impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, which represents a crucial market for ALG, and praised the island’s generosity and resilience.

    The ‘Advisors in Action: Come Back to Give Back’ event highlighted tourism’s rebuilding momentum and the essential role travel partners play in sustaining Jamaica’s economy during recovery efforts.

  • St Kitts tourism reports 6% growth in 2025, sets sights on 2026 – WIC News

    St Kitts tourism reports 6% growth in 2025, sets sights on 2026 – WIC News

    The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced a landmark achievement in its tourism sector, reporting a robust 6% increase in visitor arrivals for 2025. This growth solidifies the dual-island nation’s position as an emerging powerhouse within the competitive Caribbean tourism market.

    Official data reveals the destination welcomed 168,838 air arrivals throughout the year, with particularly strong performance recorded during the first quarter. This sustained interest is attributed to a multi-faceted strategy combining strategic marketing, global visibility campaigns, and significant public-private sector collaboration.

    Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson emphasized the transformative nature of this growth, stating, ‘Our success transcends mere statistics. We are fundamentally creating economic opportunities for our citizens, strengthening our entire tourism ecosystem, and establishing a foundation for long-term, sustainable development.’

    The St. Kitts Tourism Authority executed three highly targeted marketing campaigns designed to appeal to specific traveler demographics: ‘Adventure’ for thrill-seekers, ‘Summer Unscripted’ highlighting events and activities, and the ‘Do Not Disturb’ global romance initiative.

    International recognition followed these efforts, with the destination securing prestigious awards including ‘Sustainable Destination of the Year’ from Caribbean Journal and ‘Hidden Treasures Destination of the Year’ from PATWA. Minister Henderson was personally honored as ‘Woman Tourism Minister of the Year’ by both PATWA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

    The nation’s global media initiatives generated an extraordinary 5.7 billion impressions, significantly enhancing brand visibility. Key highlights included a dedicated ‘St. Kitts Week’ feature on NBC 6 and a strategic partnership with Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer, who visited his ancestral homeland, generating substantial positive publicity.

    Additional 2025 developments included the launch of a collaborative jewelry collection with Canadian brand bluboho, the implementation of a new digital eTA entry system, and the establishment of the nation’s first Travel Advisor Board.

    Looking forward, St. Kitts has set an ambitious target of achieving 10% growth in visitor arrivals for 2026. The strategy involves refining marketing approaches from broad geographic targeting to focused niche engagement and further strengthening regional partnerships with other Caribbean nations.

  • Maersk neemt tijdelijk beheer Panama-kanaalhavens over na rechterlijke uitspraak

    Maersk neemt tijdelijk beheer Panama-kanaalhavens over na rechterlijke uitspraak

    In a significant geopolitical shift for global maritime trade, Danish shipping giant Maersk has assumed temporary control of two strategic Panama Canal ports after Panama’s Supreme Court invalidated concession contracts held by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The ruling follows repeated warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Chinese influence over the critical waterway.

    The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) announced Friday that Maersk’s subsidiary APM Terminals will administer the Balboa and Cristobal ports, which occupy crucial positions at both Atlantic and Pacific entrances to the canal. These facilities handle substantial portions of global container traffic passing through the interoceanic corridor.

    CK Hutchison, operating through its local subsidiary Panama Ports Company (PPC), had managed these terminals since 1997 under a concession extended in 2021 for an additional 25 years. The court determined the contract exhibited “disproportionate bias” favoring the Hong Kong conglomerate, prompting its termination.

    The 82-kilometer artificial waterway processes approximately 40% of U.S. container traffic and 5% of global trade. Panama assumed full control in 1999 after the United States, which financed and constructed the canal between 1904-1914, transferred administration.

    The United States government welcomed the judicial decision, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned Beijing would “take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.” PPC condemned the ruling as “lacking legal basis” and expressed concerns about potential impacts on thousands of Panamanian families’ livelihoods.

    Despite allegations, Panama continues to deny that China exercises control over the canal, which remains predominantly utilized by vessels from the United States and China.

  • Banks DIH Holdings Inc to appeal High Court injunction on capping share capital, voting rights

    Banks DIH Holdings Inc to appeal High Court injunction on capping share capital, voting rights

    In a significant corporate governance development, Banks DIH Holdings Inc. has announced its intention to appeal a High Court injunction that prevented the implementation of a controversial cap on shareholder voting rights. The ruling, issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, temporarily blocked the company from proceeding with amendments that would limit any single entity’s voting power to 15% of total shares, regardless of their actual shareholding percentage.

    Company Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis addressed shareholders during Saturday’s Annual General Meeting at Thirst Park, East Bank Demerara, confirming the company’s compliance with the court order while simultaneously preparing an appeal. ‘As a law-abiding and responsible corporate citizen, we will comply with the judge’s order. However, the company proposes to appeal this matter to the Full Court for the discharge of this injunction,’ Reis declared, flanked by legal counsel.

    The legal challenge was initiated by stock brokerages Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited. Reis emphasized that Guyana Americas Merchant Bank does not currently hold shareholder status in Banks DIH Holdings, having missed the registration cutoff for the AGM.

    The proposed Amendment to By-Law Article 8 represents a substantial shift in corporate governance policy. It would establish a strict 15% ceiling on voting rights, even for shareholders possessing larger stakes. The amendment broadly defines ‘person’ to include corporate entities, partnerships, trusts, and any coordinated groups acting in concert. Should any entity exceed this threshold, their excess votes would be rendered invalid during shareholder meetings.

    Banks DIH Holdings has raised procedural objections to the injunction process, claiming Corporate Secretary Kavorn Kyte-Williams was denied the opportunity to file an opposing affidavit. The company further contends that Justice Sandil Kissoon’s judgment referenced non-existent ‘Articles of Association’ rather than the actual governing documents—Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws—fundamentally undermining the legal basis of the ruling.

    Concurrently, Reis unveiled an ambitious initiative to expand shareholder participation, setting a target of 20,000 individual shareholders—a nearly 200% increase from current levels. ‘We want to see 20,000 small shareholders in this company—drivers, service workers, farmers, teachers, plant operators,’ he stated, distributing enrollment forms to attendees.

    The proposed amendment includes provisions for appointing a Special Registrar to monitor compliance and enforce disclosure requirements aligned with Section 115 of Guyana’s Securities Industry Act. The outcome of the appeal will significantly influence corporate governance structures and shareholder democracy within one of Guyana’s prominent publicly traded companies.

  • RO ondersteunt jonge ondernemers via PKF Level-UP krediet

    RO ondersteunt jonge ondernemers via PKF Level-UP krediet

    Suriname’s National Development Bank (NOB) has officially launched the PKF Level-UP credit program, specifically designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 27. The initiative, introduced on Friday, provides convertible loans from the Production Credit Fund (PKF) to support business establishment, financing, and expansion within the manufacturing and tourism industries.

    Named ‘Wan Okasi Gi Den Jongu Basi’ (An Opportunity for Young People to Advance), the program offers favorable-term microloans to both startup founders and existing young business owners. During the ceremonial launch event, President Jennifer Simons urged youth to actively leverage this opportunity, emphasizing the program’s potential to facilitate the transition from poverty to production and prosperity.

    The launch ceremony saw participation from key government officials including Finance and Planning Minister Adelien Wijnerman, Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation Minister Andrew Baasaron, PKF board members, and NOB Director Sandy Cameron with her team.

    Managed collaboratively by the NOB and the PKF oversight board, the program receives crucial operational support from the Ministry of Regional Development (RO). Sharma Betterson-Leefland, PKF board secretary and RO representative, highlighted the ministry’s pivotal role in program success, noting that RO’s nationwide district presence enables effective outreach and education for young entrepreneurs about the Level-UP credit opportunities.

    Originally established in 2023, the PKF aims to stimulate growth and development among small and medium-sized producers of goods and services across all districts, excluding direct trade, agriculture, livestock, and fishing operations. However, businesses in these excluded sectors may qualify for funding when engaged in processing industries.

    The fund’s strategic objectives include enhancing production capacity, promoting exports, replacing imports, creating business spin-offs, and generating employment opportunities, with particular emphasis on strengthening the position of young Surinamese entrepreneurs in the national economy.

  • Hebridean Sky makes inaugural call to Port Soufrière, new jetty in progress

    Hebridean Sky makes inaugural call to Port Soufrière, new jetty in progress

    The picturesque town of Soufrière has entered a transformative phase in its tourism development with the dual milestone of welcoming the expedition cruise vessel Hebridean Sky and launching construction on a major waterfront infrastructure project. The inaugural port call on January 16th served as both a celebration and strategic planning session, bringing together the Soufrière Regional Development Foundation (SRDF), parliamentary representatives, and port authorities aboard the vessel for high-level discussions.

    According to SRDF Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager Lovely Saint-Aimé Joseph, extensive consultations with Saint Lucia Cruise Port have culminated in tangible progress on the long-anticipated L-shaped jetty project. Marine users have been advised to observe enhanced safety protocols during the construction phase, which commenced shortly after the January 16th meeting.

    Local Member of Parliament Emma Hippolyte characterized these developments as signaling “a new dispensation” for the constituency, confirming construction was scheduled to begin on January 19th. The parliamentary representative emphasized the administration’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and safety throughout the transformation process.

    Saint Lucia Cruise Port officials project substantial benefits from the L-jetty initiative, anticipating both aesthetic enhancements to the waterfront and significant economic advantages for local entrepreneurs. Port representatives specifically highlighted the anticipated positive impact on taxi operators, vendors, and the broader business community, noting that improvements would elevate the experience for both residents and international visitors.

    Tourism officials believe the enhanced infrastructure and expanded cruise capacity will unlock new economic opportunities while allowing more visitors to discover what they describe as “the gem that Soufrière truly is.” The simultaneous occurrence of the inaugural vessel call and construction commencement marks a strategic acceleration of Soufrière’s positioning within the competitive Caribbean cruise tourism market.

  • No Merger Can Happen Without PUC’s Written Approval

    No Merger Can Happen Without PUC’s Written Approval

    A proposed acquisition of Belize’s second-largest telecommunications provider Speednet (SMART) by market leader Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has sparked significant regulatory and public debate regarding competition safeguards. The critical hurdle remains Section 19(5) of Belize’s Telecommunications Act, which mandates that no transfer of control can occur without prior written approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

    Former PUC chairman John Avery, who led the regulator for over twelve years, has issued a stark warning that eliminating Belize’s only telecommunications competitor would fundamentally violate both the spirit and letter of the telecommunications law. Avery contends this acquisition would reverse decades of progress toward competitive markets and potentially trigger anti-competition penalties that could jeopardize operating licenses.

    The political dimension adds complexity to the regulatory process. Prime Minister John Briceño has broken months of silence by characterizing the potential deal as a possible financial lifeline for BTL while maintaining official neutrality. However, the Prime Minister’s appointment authority over PUC commissioners and BTL’s board, combined with potential familial financial interests in the outcome, has raised concerns about procedural independence.

    Current PUC Chairman Dean Molina offers a different legal interpretation, noting that the Telecommunications Act acknowledges various market structures through Section 26, including single-operator and dominant-operator scenarios. Molina clarifies that Section 42(4) regarding anti-competitive behavior doesn’t apply to merger approvals, making Section 19(5) the exclusive regulatory gateway.

    As BTL actively lobbies business groups, unions, and social security authorities for support, broader societal institutions including business associations, religious organizations, and civil society groups are demanding transparency and caution. Senators have called for independent valuation assessments and warned against returning to de facto monopoly conditions. BTL maintains that no final decision has been made and commitments to adhere to both legal requirements and the PUC’s ultimate determination.